Anambra State Judicial Service Commission Dismisses Two Magistrates, 24 Judiciary Staff Over Misconduct

The Anambra State Judicial Service Commission has dismissed two magistrates and 24 judiciary workers over misconduct, as part of disciplinary measures aimed at strengthening accountability within the state’s judicial system.

The Commission’s Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary, Chief Stanley Mbanaso, announced the decision on Thursday while briefing journalists in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.

Mbanaso said the action reflects ongoing efforts to enforce professional standards and address unethical conduct across the judiciary.

According to him, the Commission has also compulsorily retired some magistrates and suspended or dismissed other judicial personnel in recent months. Those affected include members of customary courts and court staff found guilty of wrongdoing. He described the disciplinary process as continuous.

He called on members of the public to submit formal complaints backed by affidavit evidence when reporting alleged misconduct. Mbanaso noted that while genuine petitions are investigated, some allegations against judicial officers lack substance.

He explained that complaints involving magistrates, customary court officials and judiciary employees are handled by the Commission, while petitions concerning High Court judges are referred to the National Judicial Council in Abuja.

Mbanaso also raised concerns about a shortage of judicial officers in the state, warning that the gap is slowing the administration of justice.

He said the number of serving High Court judges in Anambra has dropped from about 40 in previous years to 29. The state currently has 64 magistrates overseeing 35 magisterial districts across its 21 local government areas, a figure he described as inadequate.

He added that Anambra ranks second only to Lagos State in the volume of pending High Court cases. While Lagos has about 50 judges, Anambra operates with 29.

Mbanaso expressed confidence that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would approve the appointment of additional High Court judges once the required facilities are in place, to ease congestion in the courts and improve case resolution timelines.